There’s a growing animosity between NBA players and officials called on to police them on the basketball court. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green brought this to light recently, ultimately receiving a $25,000 fine for pretty much criticizing the job of every official in the NBA.
It now looks like Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul is falling in line. Following Wednesday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Paul called out referee Scott Foster in a huge way.
More Chris Paul on official Scott Foster: "Scott, you the man. That's who they pay to see." pic.twitter.com/NY3BgwSGpG
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) January 11, 2018
Paul received a technical foul in the game, one that he perceived to be relatively weak in the grand scheme of things.
“I got a tech tonight. I’m over there with (another official) saying ‘That’s Scott, that’s Scott’ – and I get a tech. But that’s history there,” Paul said. “So Scott, you the man. That’s who (the fans) pay to see.”
This has been a growing problem between players and officials during the 2017-18 season. And it’s something the NBA will want to address before it gets further out of hand.
At times, it does seem that officials are out there to make a name for themselves. In particular, Foster has received a ton of criticism from players around the Association.
The always talkative Draymond Green speaking up is one thing. When someone of Paul’s ilk has words, maybe we should listen.